Large historic red-brick building with white trim and a covered front porch, set on a grassy lawn under a cloudy sky.

The Story of an Aged Institution

History

Just before the start of the Civil War legislation was passed in Pennsylvania, and many other states throughout the country, for each county to establish houses to care and support the poor. These houses often started out as converted family homes, usually beginning small in scale and expanding greatly over time.

Mail Pouch Barn by Mitch Kendra

An American Heritage: Mail Pouch Barns

History

For more than a century, one advertising campaign used an unusual medium to feature the same message: “Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco: Treat Yourself to the Best.” The ad and accompanying slogan – painted on barn sides first regionally, then across the country – was the marketing campaign of the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company of Wheeling, West Virginia.